By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The original crayon drawing of the Cathedral in the Glen at Hopevale by Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose.
Last 2018, in preparation for the 75th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Hopevale Missionaries, I delved into the archives of the Henry Luce III Library at Central Philippine University. Among the treasures I unearthed was an article from a newsletter called the Crusader dated January 1946, accompanied by a photograph of artifacts recovered from Hopevale, Tapaz, Capiz—the site where eleven missionaries and one child were martyred during World War II. Among these artifacts, the article mentioned, was a crayon drawing of The Cathedral of the Glen, created by Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose, who served as acting President of Central Philippine College before the war.
The mere mention of this drawing sparked my curiosity. Who had safeguarded these artifacts through the tumultuous years following the war? Determined to uncover more, I ventured into storage boxes untouched for decades. Taking precautions against dust and allergens, I sifted through layers of history until I found it—the original crayon drawing by Dr. Rose. Identified by his initials discreetly placed in the lower-left corner, the artwork instantly transported me to a serene, spiritual sanctuary born of nature’s beauty and a missionary’s vision.
The Cathedral of the Glen: A Sanctuary in Nature
Nestled in the heart of the forest, the Cathedral of the Glen was not constructed with bricks or mortar but carved directly from the natural landscape. Using only his hands, a small shovel, and a chisel, Dr. Rose transformed a rugged gully into a place of worship and reflection. His drawing vividly captures this unique spiritual architecture, where towering trees form a leafy dome, and rugged rocks create sheltering walls.
The crayon’s vibrant greens and blues evoke the lushness of the forest and the ethereal tranquility of the space. In the drawing, an aisle leads to an altar, all framed by the forest canopy, creating a harmonious blend of the natural and the sacred. It was a sanctuary where one could connect deeply with the divine amidst the turmoil of war.
Poetic Reflections on the Cathedral
The significance of the Cathedral of the Glen was immortalized in a poem by Jenny Claire Adams, a missionary nurse at Capiz Emmanuel Hospital who was also martyred. She wrote:
Cathedral in the woodland wrapped in quietness
A sheltered haven in refreshing restfulness
Secluded spot within majestic clefted rock
Where hills in ages past have known a rending shock.
Adams’ words echo the sentiments captured in Dr. Rose’s drawing—a place of solace and spiritual communion. Her description of the Cathedral as a haven of peace aligns seamlessly with its physical representation and the emotions it evokes.
A Refuge During War
Louise Reid Spencer, author of Guerrilla Wife, further illuminated the site’s significance. She and her husband found refuge at the Cathedral during the war, describing it as a “gem of outdoor architecture.” Spencer’s account complements Dr. Rose’s artwork, detailing how he painstakingly crafted the space—from stone benches to the placement of the altar—to inspire meditation and prayer. The care and dedication poured into the Cathedral were not only acts of artistry but also profound expressions of faith amidst adversity.
A Testament to Faith and Resilience
The rediscovery of this crayon drawing serves as more than just a reminder of Dr. Rose’s artistic talent. It stands as a testament to the resilience of faith and the transformative power of nature. The Cathedral of the Glen—both as a physical sanctuary and a drawn representation—offered a place where, as Adams wrote:
Cathedral in the woodland, sheltering resting place
Where one may meditate and seek the Father’s face
Cathedral in the woodland shaded calm and still
In quietude we wait to know the Father’s will.
Honoring the Legacy
This rediscovered drawing now holds a prominent place in the commemorations of Hopevale’s legacy. Encased and displayed during Hopevale celebrations, it serves as a poignant visual link to the past. This year, December 20, 2024, marks the 81st anniversary of the Hopevale Martyrdom. Just weeks earlier, on December 2 and 3, 2024, the Hopevale Musicale was re-staged at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, a fitting tribute to the missionaries and their enduring faith.
In recent years, the Cathedral in the Glen has been re-created between the Rose Memorial Auditorium and the Henry Luce III Library. This reconstructed sanctuary is now actively used as a venue for fellowship and Bible study, continuing its legacy as a place of spiritual connection and reflection.
The Cathedral of the Glen remains a powerful symbol of hope, faith, and resilience, inspiring generations to find solace and strength even in the most challenging times.